Unity of Command and Operation Anaconda Operation Anaconda was the second large offensive attack in Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. The battle took place in early March, 2002 and the plan was for the battle to last approximately 6-8 days. Operation Anaconda came after Operation Tora Bora where presumably many of the enemy fighters engaged in Operation Tora Bora, escaped and entered the Shahi Kot Valley in southeastern Afghanistan. Unity of Command played a key role in the ensuing battle